The Right of Public Access

Freedom to roam in nature, such as in the forests and on the water, has been a public right in the Nordic countries since ancient times. This right is called the Right of Public Access and is a benefit and privilege that should be safeguarded. The essence of the right is “Do not disturb and do not destroy”. This means that you are personally responsible for your actions in nature. Show good judgement and remember that you are visiting somebody else’s land.

Åland’s definition of the Right of Public Access is slightly more restricted than it is in Sweden and the rest of Finland. This is because we have so many visitors and our archipelago landscape is more susceptible to damage.

• You may freely travel around on foot or by bicycle, but avoid private residences, jetties and cultivated areas. Remember always to close gates behind you.
  
• Using natural harbours for temporary mooring and as harbours of refuge is permitted. We recommend guest harbours for overnight stays, as most piers and jetties on Åland are private and not open for use by visitors.
  
• You may swim, row, sail, paddle or drive a motor boat on private waters. However, official fairways should be used if at all possible, mainly because there is a great risk of running aground outside the fairways. When you travel by boat outside the fairways – in the local owner's fishing grounds – you should be especially careful not to damage fishing tackle. Respect waterfowl and their young by slowing down.
  
• It is prohibited to make a fire without the landowner’s permission. The dry forests in Åland easily catch fire and a campfire may destroy bedrock forever. It’s important to be careful and make sure that the fire is properly extinguished before you leave.
  
• You may bring a dog with you if it’s on a leash. It is prohibited by law to let dogs run loose, out of consideration for breeding waterfowl and other wild animals. During their breeding season it is also forbidden to go ashore on some islands.
  
• The fishing in Åland is regulated by law. You must first buy a fishing licence for the fishing ground where you intend to fish. The protection of breeding waterfowl prohibits fishing from the shore between 15 April and 15 June. 
  
• You may stay in the countryside temporarily, but setting up a tent or an overnight stay in a caravan or mobile home on somebody else’s property requires permission from the landowner. We recommend camping grounds, holiday cottages and guest houses for overnight stays.
  
• Help us keep the country clean! Take back everything you brought with you or take it to the nearest rubbish bin. It is prohibited by law to dump waste water from boats into the sea.